Scottish National Heritage - The Nature of Scotland Autumn 2008

www.snh.org.
uk
59846_SNH_Covers.indd 1
Scottish Natural Heritage
Autumn 2008
The Nature of Scotland
Testing the water

Beavers on
their way back
PlaceBook
Wheres your
special place?
High land art
Take a hike for art
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WP40K1008
17/10/08 10:30:11
Contents
Features
30
48
16
60
The power of Scotlands places

Share your thoughts and images of
somewhere special to you
12
High-level warnings
Cause for concern snowbed
plants show signs of change
15
Print out
Check out our latest publications
16
Back to the future

Meet the people behind an awardwinning organic farm
24
Testing the water

Trial project will see beavers back in
the wild
30 All in a days work

Discover what Rangers get up to
24
Regulars
2
Where we are
SNH contact details
Welcome
Wild calendar
Wildlife to see and places to visit
in the coming months
20 News
Natural heritage updates
34 Events diary
Guide to whats on
48 Picture perfect
Five of the best from the Scottish
Nature Photography Fair
54 Do you Know the Code?
Getting the access message
across
56
Woods for nature

FCS outline their plans for wildlife in
woodlands
60 High land art

Dumfries & Galloway take art to
new heights
36 Reserve focus
Discover Craigellachie NNR
42 Area news
Reports from around the country
46 Common heritage
Linking language and environment
58 Kids only!
Activities for our younger readers
64 Mailing list
Send in your details and receive
'The Nature of Scotland' direct
www.snh.org.uk
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17/10/08 10:31:49
Credits
Where we are
Area ofces

The Magazine of Scottish Natural Heritage
Issue Number 2 Autumn 2008
You can contact SNH by

letter, telephone or email.
The following details
should enable you to nd
your nearest local ofce,
but bear in mind that there
are also smaller ofces
than those listed.
Argyll and Stirling

The Beta Centre,
Innovation Park,
University of Stirling,
Stirling FK9 4NF
Tel. 01786 450 362
Published quarterly
SNH 2008
ISSN 1350 309X
Editor: John Walters
Tel. 01463 725 222
Cover photo: European Beaver
Photographer: Orsolya Haarberg/NN/
Samfoto
Inside cover: European beaver tracks
Photographer: Sven Zacek/OSF
Photography all images by Lorne Gill/SNH
other than:
Laurie Campbell 3, 5, 46; David Whittaker 6;
Artspace Scotland 8, 9 top; National Trust for
Scotland 10 top; Jack Stephens/Alamy 13 top;
David Long/RBGE 14; Sue Scott/SNH 21, 23
bottom; Guy Edwardes/NHPA 22 right; Terry
Whitaker 24/25; Pixonnet.com/Alamy 26;
Martin Gaywood 27; tbkmedia.de/Alamy 28;
Niall Benvie 29, 57 top; Imagebroker/Alamy 36;
Robert Macdonald/SNH 42 left; T&H
Mainwood/SNH 42 centre; Valerie Wilson/SNH
42 right; Alex Easson 43 left; John O'Keefe 43
right; Richard Marriott 44 left; RSPB 44 centre;
Ewen Cameron 44 right; Andy Foote 45 left;
Anne Bignall 45 centre; Mike Bolam 60, 61;
Andrew Bielinski/SNH 62; Allan Devlin 63
Maps Ashworth Maps and Interpretation
Ltd 2008 Based on Ordnance Survey mapping
Crown copyright All rights reserved 37
To share your views about The Nature of
Scotland or suggest articles for future issues
please contact the Editor:
SNH Magazine
Great Glen House, Leachkin Road,
Inverness IV3 8NW
Email: enquiries@snh.gov.uk
The views expressed in the magazine do not
necessarily reect those of SNH.
Printed by: Woods of Perth, Scotland
Paper: This magazine is printed on Arctic

Volume High White. This paper contains
materials sourced from responsibly managed
and sustainable forests, certied in
accordance with the FSC (Forest Stewardship
Council).
A full list of our ofces

appears on the SNH
website: www.snh.org.uk
Corporate
headquarters
Great Glen House,
Leachkin Road,
Inverness IV3 8NW
Tel. 01463 725 000
Email: enquiries@snh.
gov.uk
Other main
ofces
Battleby, Redgorton,
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel. 01738 444 177
Silvan House,
3rd Floor East,
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel. 0131 316 2600
Caspian House,
Mariner Court,
Clydebank Business Park,
Clydebank G81 2NR
Tel. 0141 951 4488
Dumfries and Galloway

Carmont House,
The Crichton,
Bankend Road,
Dumfries DG1 4ZF
Tel. 01387 247 010
Northern Isles
Ground Floor,
Stewart Building,
Alexandra Wharf,
Lerwick,
Shetland ZE1 0LL
Tel. 01595 693 345
East Highland
Fodderty Way,
Dingwall Business Park,
Dingwall IV15 9XB
Tel. 01349 865 333
North Highland
Main Street,
Golspie,
Sutherland KW10 6TG
Tel. 01408 633 602
West Highland
The Governors House,
The Parade, Fort William,
Inverness-shire PH33 6BA
Tel. 01397 704 716
Strathclyde and Ayrshire
Caspian House,
Mariner Court,
Clydebank Business Park,
Clydebank G81 2NR
Tel. 0141 951 4488
Tayside and
Clackmannanshire
Battleby, Redgorton,
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel. 01738 444 177
Western Isles
32 Francis Street,
Stornoway,
Isle of Lewis HS1 2ND
Tel. 01851 705 258
Forth and Borders
Laundry House,
Dalkeith Country Park,
Dalkeith,
Midlothian EH22 2NA
Tel. 0131 654 2466
Grampian
16/17 Rubislaw Terrace,
Aberdeen AB10 1XE
Tel. 01224 642 863
When you have nished with this magazine

please recycle it. Pass it to another reader or
dispose of it at your local waste-collection
point.
21/10/08 13:01:50
Welcome
Colin Galbraith
Director of Policy and Advice
Only a small number of high-prole species have been the subject of

reintroduction schemes in Scotland over recent decades, based on the concept
of bringing them back to areas where they were found in previous times. First it
was the sea eagle, with schemes in the west Highlands and Islands; then the red
kite, with releases in a number of places across the country. Both these species
are now rmly established as part of Scotlands wildlife. However, no mammal
has yet been reintroduced to Scotland. So the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland are breaking new ground with their plan for
a trial reintroduction of the European beaver to Knapdale in Argyll, with Forestry
Commission Scotland providing the site.
The question of whether to undertake a trial reintroduction of the European
beaver has been under discussion for a number of years. There have been
differing views expressed on the merits, or otherwise, of beavers in the Scottish
countryside. Our view has been that a carefully conducted trial, monitored closely,
with an exit strategy and a clear means of judging the effectiveness of the project,
is the best way to see just how beavers will behave. Indeed, its perhaps the only
way to investigate how theyll interact with the other species, habitats and land
management found in Scotland today. Importantly, the trial will take place in a
working forest, where active management will continue while the trial lasts.
SNHs role will be to monitor the project and report to the Government in
due course about its overall effectiveness. Knapdale does, of course, hold many
other species of native wildlife and has important woodland habitats. So as well
as monitoring the beavers, well be monitoring these other species and habitats
carefully in the years ahead.
The project will depend on the involvement of the local community in midArgyll, and its encouraging that many people in the area have expressed their
support for the trial. Developing community involvement will be an important
factor in judging the overall merit of the trial.
The next few years will be a key period for the beaver in Scotland, and the
project provides a unique opportunity to study how the animals settle in to
Knapdale. It will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched reintroduction
projects for many years.
Well keep you posted.
17/10/08 10:31:58
Wild calendar
1
Red squirrels dont
hibernate, so you could
see one on any day of
the year.
2
Uniquely among deer,
both male and female
reindeer grow antlers.
These help them to
search for food in
winter.
Kenny Taylor gives

some seasonal tips for
savouring Scottish wildlife
and landscapes
Despite what you might think at rst glance, winter

can be a great time for enjoying Scottish wildlife.
Herds of red deer coming to lower ground and
large ocks of geese over farms, lochs and coasts
are obvious attractions. But so too are the many
natural subtleties of the season: rewards for those
who look closely and go prepared to nd some of
winters special treats.
Squirrelling away
For many mammal species (rabbits apart) youll more often
nd signs of their presence than encounter the creatures
themselves. Winter, when vegetation dies back and snow
can sometimes smooth the ground, can be a boon to anyone
keen to hone their skills as a mammal signs detective.
Areas with good growth of Scots pine are worth
searching for evidence of red squirrels. The forests between
Aviemore and Cairngorm, including Rothiemurchus and the
Glenmore National Nature Reserve, are classics of their kind.
Look for cones nibbled down to the central stalk, as if the
squirrel had turned a woody corn-on-the-cob in its nimble
paws.
And in this area, once youve had a stint of squirrelling for
signs of creatures you may or may not see, you can always
take a guided trip to meet some seasonally appropriate large
mammals in the nearby Cairngorm reindeer herd. The iconic
members of the herd, descendants of animals reintroduced
decades ago, graze the skirts of their home mountain.
Web tips: www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=61
www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf
www.reindeer-company.demon.co.uk/
4
17/10/08 10:32:01
www.snh.org.uk
17/10/08 10:32:04
Polar connections
Of all the birds you could associate with late autumn and winter in Scotland,
geese must be to the fore in many minds. Many a loch and eld on both mainland
and islands can ring to the sounds of greylags, pinkfeet or (less commonly)
barnacle or white-fronted geese.
But its near the shores of the Solway that you can experience perhaps the
most astonishing of all Scotlands international goose connections. Come autumn,
the entire population of barnacle geese from Spitsbergen, in the High Arctic,
arrives here to feed on the short vegetation of the merse saltmarshes and
neighbouring elds.
To see and hear some of these visitors from the far north, visit Caerlaverock
National Nature Reserve, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre at Caerlaverock
or the RSPBs Mersehead reserve, all within easy reach of Dumfries.
Web tips: www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=51
www.wwt.org.uk/gallery/117/caerlaverock.html
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/mersehead
3
It was once thought
that barnacle geese
spent the winter under
water as goose
barnacles!
4
Lungwort is one of a
host of tree-hugging
lichens in Scotlands
western rainforests.
5
A well-rounded body
helps a dipper to take
the plunge in the
fast-owing burns in
which it feeds.
17/10/08 10:32:09
A breath of
fresh lichen
Though the leaves have fallen, winter
can be an excellent time to explore
broadleaved woodlands. Look closely
and theres still plenty of greenery (and
other colours) to savour.
Mosses, lichens and liverworts
simple plants that lack roots and rely on
rain and mist for life support do well
in Scotlands mild, damp climate. So
they love it in the moistness of the
native oakwoods along the west coast.
Go to Loch Sunart, for example, on
either the Ardnamurchan or southern
side, and youll have plenty of oaky
rainforest to choose from, including
the Ariundle National Nature Reserve.
Lungwort a type of trunk-plastering
lichen that herbalists once thought had
the look of lung tissue is
unmistakeable.
But youll also nd pattern, colour
and variety aplenty at the tiny end of the
moss, lichen and liverwort scale:
a beautiful contrast to winter greys
(or blues).
Burns galore
Web tip: www.sunartoakwoods.org.uk

4
Scotland is very much a country of burns, in both the wild

and poetic senses. So at a time of year when the national
bard is celebrated, perhaps a wander along one of his
soundalike watercourses is a good plan.
Roslin Glen, near the world-famous chapel, is a great
place for a burnside amble. The woods here have plenty of
breeding birds to see and hear at other times, but at this
season, its the dippers that are worth more than a passing
glance.
Late winter is when dippers set up territories and do
some serious courting. Theres the species trademark
bobbing, of course, and some bursts of soft song.
If youre lucky, you might even spot how amorous
dippers utter their eye membranes (used as dive goggles at
other times) at each other. Wooing in the deeps of the glen:
kindred spirits to Burns, indeed.
Web tip (downloadable leaet):
www.midlothian.gov.uk/images/walks/Walk9RoslinGlen.pdf
www.snh.org.uk
17/10/08 10:32:12
The power of Scotlands places

A new project is focusing on the places and
landscapes with which people have strong
connections, and it needs your help

1
17/10/08 10:32:16
A local newspaper in Inverness

recently addressed the condition
of the city centre under the
headline A sense of place is key
to our lives. But what exactly is
a sense of place and why is it
so important?
Its an idea thats hard to pin down, but
sense of place captures the distinct
identities of different places, whether
were talking about Greenock, Garve or
Gretna.
The things that make up a sense of
place are many and varied. It takes in
natural and cultural features; the
distinctive sights, sounds and
experiences rooted to that place; and
its feel, atmosphere and people.
Places with a strong sense of place
have a clear identity and character
thats recognisable and resonates with
residents and visitors alike. Books,
pictures, paintings and lms try to
create a particular sense of place so
that the reader or viewer knows what
its like to be there. Indeed, the work of
poets, novelists, artists and musicians
can strengthen the very sense of place
theyre seeking to capture. We often
have a strong sense of place about
where we lived as a child, and we
take great delight in distinctive and
recognisable places. Little wonder then
that a sense of place is often recalled
with affection, defended from threats of
loss, and gives rise to complaints when
its absent.
www.snh.org.uk
1
PlaceBook offers a
chance to share your
view of the world.
2
On the banks of the
River Tay in Perth.
3
The Skate Park at
Kelvingrove Park,
Glasgow.
3
17/10/08 10:32:20
PlaceBook Scotland
A new project is setting out to capture
sense of place in a creative way
through lm, photographs, music and
writing. PlaceBook Scotland celebrates
the relationship between the people
of Scotland and the places that mean
something to them. Contributions can
be uploaded online and shared with
others around the world on the website
www.placebookscotland.com which
will then become an important record of
what we think and feel about Scotlands
places.
Artists, musicians, lm-makers
and writers throughout the ages have
looked to our landscapes and
cityscapes to provide a context for their
work. From Lewis Grassic Gibbons
realistic narrative in A Scots Quair
to Ian Rankins depiction of the
underworld of Edinburgh, distinctive
places continue to provide inspiration
for writers.
4
Bluebell carpeted oak
woodland.
5
Edinburgh playpark
and housing estate.
10
17/10/08 10:32:27
.Turn off for Dunfermline, the motorways gey boring

Going to treat myself the long way home
Motorways are faster, but thats not what Im after
Cruisin, losin Auld Reekie.
Trucking on through Dollar
Castle Campbell oer my shoulder
Glen Devon is the passage that Im seeking
And my motors working harder
As it climbs tae Auchterarder
Cruisin, losin Auld Reekie
Fields are full of action
Wi the farmers in their traction,
Tattie pickers bending over baskets.
Gulls ahint the tractor as it rips the grun wi clatter
Cruisin, losin Auld Reekie..
Extract from Losin Auld Reekie
by songwriter Jim Malcolm
6
Boat reections on
harbour water.
www.snh.org.uk
Edwin Landseer, the English

Victorian painter, romanticised the
Scottish landscape in the well-known
Monarch of the Glen, an iconic image
that has become a symbol of Scotland
and tourism. Yet, its the less iconic that
PlaceBook is interested in the local
places, the everyday, the views of the
cities, the paths of the everyday walk to
school or work, the special tree in the
woodland that holds a story. It can be
a learnt history, a place where stories
have been based, that creates this
sense of place and gives that feeling of
home.
Like many other painters Ive been
inspired by the small shing villages of
the east coast, remarked the projects
Development Ofcer Irene Watson,
but for me its little known East and
West Haven that I hold in my heart.
My rst memories of freedom were
picking whelks in the rockpools with
my friends and Ive spent many an hour
on these shores in all weathers. I love
the muted colours of shermens huts,
the hauled-out boats and the stacked
lobster creels. And theres always
someone in the huts brewing a cup of

tea and willing to chat about the day.
The project wants to hear from
young and old, individuals, schools,
groups and professional artists. Photos,
video, music, song, poems and prose
that capture the essence of the place
can all be uploaded. Anybody who lives,
works or was brought up in Scotland
is encouraged to use PlaceBook to
generate interest and discussion in the
sense of place of their local area.
Theres already been a huge interest
shown in the site. When the site goes
live for uploads this month, a
fascinating project will become an
important record for the future.
PlaceBook Scotland is supported
by the Scottish Government and SNH,
and is an initiative of the Scottish
Landscape Forum. The Forum exists to
share information, encourage
discussion and promote action for
landscapes better care. There are 22
public bodies and independent
organisations on the forum, but many
more organisations have contributed to
its work.
11
17/10/08 10:32:32
.Turn off for Dunfermline, the motorways gey boring

Going to treat myself the long way home
Motorways are faster, but thats not what Im after
Cruisin, losin Auld Reekie.
Trucking on through Dollar
Castle Campbell oer my shoulder
Glen Devon is the passage that Im seeking
And my motors working harder
As it climbs tae Auchterarder
Cruisin, losin Auld Reekie
Fields are full of action
Wi the farmers in their traction,
Tattie pickers bending over baskets.
Gulls ahint the tractor as it rips the grun wi clatter
Cruisin, losin Auld Reekie..
Extract from Losin Auld Reekie
by songwriter Jim Malcolm
6
Boat reections on
harbour water.
www.snh.org.uk
Edwin Landseer, the English

Victorian painter, romanticised the
Scottish landscape in the well-known
Monarch of the Glen, an iconic image
that has become a symbol of Scotland
and tourism. Yet, its the less iconic that
PlaceBook is interested in the local
places, the everyday, the views of the
cities, the paths of the everyday walk to
school or work, the special tree in the
woodland that holds a story. It can be
a learnt history, a place where stories
have been based, that creates this
sense of place and gives that feeling of
home.
Like many other painters Ive been
inspired by the small shing villages of
the east coast, remarked the projects
Development Ofcer Irene Watson,
but for me its little known East and
West Haven that I hold in my heart.
My rst memories of freedom were
picking whelks in the rockpools with
my friends and Ive spent many an hour
on these shores in all weathers. I love
the muted colours of shermens huts,
the hauled-out boats and the stacked
lobster creels. And theres always
someone in the huts brewing a cup of

tea and willing to chat about the day.
The project wants to hear from
young and old, individuals, schools,
groups and professional artists. Photos,
video, music, song, poems and prose
that capture the essence of the place
can all be uploaded. Anybody who lives,
works or was brought up in Scotland
is encouraged to use PlaceBook to
generate interest and discussion in the
sense of place of their local area.
Theres already been a huge interest
shown in the site. When the site goes
live for uploads this month, a
fascinating project will become an
important record for the future.
PlaceBook Scotland is supported
by the Scottish Government and SNH,
and is an initiative of the Scottish
Landscape Forum. The Forum exists to
share information, encourage
discussion and promote action for
landscapes better care. There are 22
public bodies and independent
organisations on the forum, but many
more organisations have contributed to
its work.
11
17/10/08 10:32:32
Corries high in the Scottish mountains

are now being used as lookout posts for
climate change, and there are signs that
change may already be under way
High-level warnings
12
17/10/08 10:32:34
On the summits of Scotlands

mountains, snow in some corries
can last well into the summer
months and even throughout the
year. For the mountain plants that
survive in the snowbed soil under
these icy blankets, the growing
season is so short that owering
plants struggle to grow at all.
1
In the last 40 years
weve seen a 32%
reduction in the
annual number of days
of snow cover.
2
Snowbeds provide a
continuous supply of
insects that mountain
birds, like this snow
bunting, feed on.
www.snh.org.uk
A unique plant community has

therefore developed in the absence
of competition from larger owering
plants. Its dominated by mosses and
liverworts among our smallest plants
with some nationally rare species
bearing elegant names such as snow
pincerwort (Cephalozia ambigua),
arctic rustwort (Marsupella arctica)
and snow brook-moss (Hygrohypnum
styriacum).
These mosses and liverworts
are at the very edge of their range in
Scotland, explained David Genney,
SNH moss and liverwort adviser.
Theyre more common in Greenland or
northern Scandinavia.
Their survival in Scotland could
be under threat, however, if climate
change models prove correct. Winter
snowfall is expected to reduce by 50%
or more across Scotland by the 2080s,
so theres likely to be less snow to
survive into the summer on Scotlands
mountains. Its difcult to predict exactly
what impact these changes are having,
and will have, on very late-lying snow
patches, but the best place to look for
an answer is the plants themselves.
13
20/10/08 14:02:52
Building on earlier work by scientist and mountaineer

Gordon Rothero, SNH have set up the Snowbed Project
in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh
and the University of Bergen in Norway. The project looks at
how the mix of plants has changed over the past 18 years
and will also set up a network of monitoring sites across
Scotland to measure future changes in the extent of these
high corrie plants.
The project started in 2007 in the Cairngorms and
early results indicate that snowbed plantlife may already
be starting to change. Flowering plants such as threeleaved rush and starry saxifrage have been found in the
heart of these plant communities, remarked David. These
communities were previously dominated almost entirely by
mosses and liverworts, so this is a worrying sign for the
future of our specialist snowbed species.
Flowering plants like three-leaved rush are widespread
on Scottish mountains and their larger size means theres a
serious risk that they may replace the rarer snowbed mosses
and liverworts. Comparison with photographs from 1989
also shows a trend from open, moss and liverwort dominated
communities to one dominated by grasses and other
owering plants.
As well as plants, other mountain wildlife relies, at least
to some extent, on late-lying snow patches. As the snow
gradually melts, insects emerge that have developed in the
snowbed soil, such as craneies. These insects can provide
an important supply of food for mountain birds, including
ptarmigan, dotterel and snow bunting.
SNHs policy statement on climate change currently
being built into the SNH Climate Change Action Plans
aims to help people understand the effects of climate
change and what it will mean for the natural heritage. Careful
monitoring of these snowbeds which are among the most
extreme places in Scotland where wildlife can survive will
provide a lookout post for some of the rst signs of climate
change on our natural heritage.
3
Mosses such as the
northern haircap
(Polytrichum
sexangulare) depend
on snowbeds for
survival.
4
The Snowbed Project
builds on survey work
in 1989/1990 by
scientist and
mountaineer Gordon
Rothero.
14
17/10/08 10:32:41
Print out
SNH Calendar
The ever-popular SNH calendar features Climate Change for
the 2009 edition. Weve selected pictures from a wide range
of photographers and the result is a striking addition to the
SNH publications catalogue.
This beautifully produced calendar makes an ideal gift
and contains all the traditional elements dramatic imagery,
a layout that lets you plan your appointments in the coming
months and a thought-provoking text. Provided in a readyto-post reinforced envelope, it makes a perfect gift to give
at Christmas and is available from our publications team for
6.00. You can order online at www.snh.org.uk/pubs
Climate Change
2009
Consequences and Implications
Naturally Scottish
www.snh.org.uk
s c o t t i s h
Fungi
Seals
n a t u r a l l y
n a t u r a l l y
s c o t t i s h
Our series of booklets featuring iconic and important

Scottish species has long been admired both for the
production values and the clear, stimulating messages.
Generously priced at just 4.95, titles available include
Sea Eagles, Red Squirrels, Badgers, Whales & Dolphins,
Corncrakes, Red Kites, Fungi, Butteries and a host
of others. These introductory booklets, with their lavish
illustrations, make ideal presents. Why not view online before
buying? You can browse through our entire publications
catalogue at www.snh.org.uk/pubs
15
20/10/08 13:22:22
The winners of a new farming award have transformed a typical, small sheep
farm in the Borders into a dynamic, mixed organic venture. And theyre
passionate about persuading others to follow their lead
Back to the future

1
16
17/10/08 10:32:51
Locally grown, organically

produced food may still be
seen by some as the
preserve of niche farming
and a retreat into the past,
but Heather Anderson and
Pete Ritchie are convinced
its time has come.
1
Whitmuir is a small,
north-facing upland
farm that has been
organic since 2000.
3
The pigs live on open
ground in family
groups with traditional
pig arcs.
2
Heather Anderson and
Pete Ritchie with
produce from their
farm shop.
www.snh.org.uk
The growth in farmers markets and the

waiting lists for allotments in many parts
of Scotland show theres a ground
swell of support for a different way
of producing food, commented Pete
Ritchie, co-owner of Whitmuir Farm in
the Borders.
Conventional farming is locked into
the use of fertilisers, which are
dependent on oil supplies. But the
rising price of oil makes it more and
more expensive to produce food in this
way, so farmers are having to look at
the alternatives.
Pete and Heather took over
Whitmuir Farm in Peeblesshire in 2000.
Over the last eight years theyve turned
the 54-hectare upland sheep farm into
an organic venture that now supports
cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry; grows a
wide variety of vegetables; operates an
on-farm butchery; and sells direct to
local folk through a farm shop and
home delivery service.
We started out to farm as
sustainably as possible, explained
Heather, so we stopped using fertiliser
on the grass because it takes so much
energy to produce. Instead we use
clover to x nitrogen in the soil and
grow green manure to improve the
fertility of our elds. The way we grow
food leaves the earth in a better or at
least as good a state as it was when
we started.
The success of their farming
methods led to their being named
the rst winners of the Future Farmer
Award earlier this year. This new annual
award scheme is funded by the Murray
Trust and SNH to promote practical
ideas for improving the environmental
sustainability of farming in Scotland.
17
20/10/08 14:02:08
New rural jobs

Pete and Heather were presented with
the award by the Rural Affairs and
Environment Secretary, Richard
Lochhead, at the Royal Highland
Show. They also received a cheque for
4,000, which will allow them to spend
time this year talking with farmers and
land managers across Scotland so that
others can learn from what theyve done
at Whitmuir.
We were thrilled to receive the
Future Farmer Award, Pete added. Its
great to get a vote of condence from
others involved in farming and the
environment. With climate change,
rising prices for oil and imported food,
as well as pressures on biodiversity, we
need to nd more ways to grow local
food sustainably and keep small
farmers on the land. Were looking
forward to discussing these ideas in the
year ahead with the help of the award.
The transformation of Whitmuir from
a single-enterprise sheep farm into a
diverse organic farm has meant that it
now employs nine people in addition to
the owners. These are new rural jobs
that have been lled by people from the
local area.
Some of the jobs are in the farm
shop, which is open seven days a week
supplying their own fresh meat,
vegetables and eggs, together with a
wide range of organic groceries,
toiletries and wine. Food miles are
kept low by butchering the meat on the
premises and selling mainly to people
living within a 20-mile radius.
4
Master butcher
Jerimiah Sinclair chats
with customers in the
farm shop.
5
Vegetables are grown
both outdoors and in
polytunnels. All the
vegetables are in the
farm shop minutes
after being harvested.
5
The way we grow

food leaves the earth
in a better or at least
as good a state as it
was when we
started.
18
20/10/08 14:02:23
Eat local
The farm has 170 supporters who have committed to eat

local by paying a regular amount for their groceries by
standing order. Supporters of the farm say the food also
tastes miles better because all the vegetables grown at
Whitmuir are on sale immediately after being harvested.
Supporters are also invited to information sessions and farm
events.
Our plan is to grow for people we know and provide
them with fresh, seasonal food when its available, explained
Heather. That might mean hours and hours of hand, rather
than chemical, weeding. But you can come and watch the
plants growing, know where the food comes from and see
how the animals are treated.
Research has shown that a return to chemical-free
farming can support substantially higher levels of wildlife,
and Pete and Heather are taking every opportunity to create
new homes for wildlife and enhance biodiversity.
The old eld boundaries on the farm are being protected
and restored using Environmentally Sensitive Area funding.
The boundaries have been double fenced and hedges
planted alongside the existing mature trees. Hedges have
also been planted to subdivide the elds.
There are two main areas of woodland on the farm, and
these have been connected up by new planting under the
Woodland Grant Scheme. Pete values the woodland as
shelter for stock and hes trying various ways of allowing
stock controlled access to woodland areas. There are also
two established ponds on the farm, which are managed for
biodiversity.
They're also carrying out a whole-farm survey in order to
set up a biodiversity trail for visitors. All visitors are
encouraged to take a look around and see the animals, and
there are plans for an organic caf and a small education
centre, which will allow further opportunities for developing
the relationship between customers and the farm.
Organisations wishing to book Heather and Pete to
speak at events are encouraged to make contact via Anna
Ashmole, award facilitator, by emailing anna@futurefarmer.
org.uk or tel: 01899 830 536. Further details about the
winning farm, the three commended farms and the 2009
award are available on the Future Farmer Award website:
www.futurefarmer.org.uk.
6
These young turkeys
and the chickens on
the farm are all free
range and able to roam
over pasture and
woodland.
www.snh.org.uk
19
20/10/08 14:03:10
News
However, half the people
interviewed believe that wild places in
Scotland are under threat and around
A new report has shown that most
60%
think action is needed to preserve
people living in Scotland place a high
wild
land
in Scotland. Overall, the key
value on its wilder landscapes.
perceived
threats to wild areas are
Based on more than 1300
development,
urbanisation and people.
interviews with people from across the
Colin
Galbraith,
SNHs director of
country, the report reveals that over
policy
and
advice,
said:
This research
90% think it important for Scotland to
has
shown
us
once
again
that those
have wild places.
of
us
who
live
in
Scotland
really value
The remoter parts of Scotland
our
fantastic
scenery
and
wildlife.
Our
such as the Cuillins and the high tops
wild
places
are
there
for
everyone
to
of the Cairngorms are treasured as
experience
and
enjoy.
Its
clear
the
an important part of Scottish identity
people of Scotland want those of us
and valuable to the economy.
who
are involved with looking after wild
Woodlands, forests, mountains, hills,
land
to take our responsibilities very
lochs and moorlands are all rated highly
seriously
indeed.
as wild areas. Theyre valued because
The
report
Public Perceptions
theyre part of Scotlands culture,
of
Wild
Places
and Landscapes in
heritage and tourist industry. Theyre
Scotland
is
published
by SNH and the
also seen as important for wildlife and
Cairngorms
National
Park
Authority. Its
nature, the environment and the local
available
on
the
SNH
website
at www.
economy.
snh.org.uk/strategy/pd02c.htm
Wild land backing
20
Mussel work
Research is under way on Scotlands
threatened freshwater pearl mussel
populations so that they can eventually
be reintroduced to rivers where they
once lived.
Samples of pearl mussels from
some 35 rivers around Scotland are
being studied to see how they vary
genetically from river to river. The work
is being done for SNH by the University
of Aberdeen and the Fisheries
Research Services lab at Pitlochry.
The results from this work should
provide us with the information we
need to decide which of the existing
pearl mussel populations should be
used to restock individual rivers.
We hope to start the reintroduction
programme next year, having already
surveyed rivers where pearl mussels
are now extinct, or where they no longer
breed, to decide which ones might be
suitable for restoration.
Freshwater pearl mussels are
seriously threatened wherever theyre
found around the world, which makes
the populations in Scotland especially
important. In fact, its thought that
Scotland holds about half the worlds
populations. Yet even here, about 70%
of the places where they once existed
no longer have them.
17/10/08 10:33:09
News
Theyre in the nal
Check for aliens
Were delighted to announce that EAE,

Maximillion Events and Radisson SAS
Hotel, Edinburgh are the shortlisted
nalists in the Sustainable Tourism
category of this year's Scottish Thistle
Awards.
The Awards are among the most
sought after prizes in the tourism
industry, celebrating quality and
innovation across a range of categories.
SNH sponsor the Sustainable Tourism
category and the nalists have shown
great commitment to practising
sustainable tourism, as well as playing
an important role in encouraging other
businesses and customers to act
likewise.
EAE is a nationwide publicity
distribution service, involved in
distributing and displaying leaets,
brochures and posters. Maximillion is
an event management company that
delivers events for the business tourism
sector. And Radisson SAS Hotel is a
leading hotel on the Royal Mile in the
centre of Edinburgh.
Now in their 17th year, the
Scottish Thistle Awards are open to
all businesses operating in Scotlands
tourism industry. The Sustainable
Tourism category celebrates those
businesses leading Scotland in
our ambition to become the most
sustainable destination in Europe by
ensuring social and economic benets
while caring for the environment.
The overall winners of this years
Scottish Thistle Awards will be
announced at the Awards Ceremony
and dinner on 24 October at the
Edinburgh International Conference
Centre. The results will also be
published in the national newspapers
and on www.scottishthistleawards.
co.uk.
An alien species of seaweed is

spreading rapidly along Scotlands
west coast and wed like your help
with tracking the weed and limiting its
spread.
Wireweed has become a nuisance
species in the UK, having found its
way here from the western Pacic. It
grows rapidly in the summer and once
established it can reduce the variety
of seaweeds naturally found here by
outgrowing and shading them. It can
also foul boat hulls, propellers and
water intakes, and get tangled up in
sh farming equipment.
The rst reports of wireweed in
Scotland were in Loch Ryan near
Stranraer in 2004, but its now been
found as far north as Loch Sunart in
Ardnamurchan and Tarskavaig on Skye,
and as far south as Luce Bay in the
Solway Firth.
www.snh.org.uk
Wireweed spreads easily and

grows very fast, explained Fiona
Manson, a marine advisory ofcer with
SNH. Unfortunately, theres very little
we can do in terms of control and its
natural spread is difcult to stop.
People can help, however, by being
extra careful if they use boats. Always
clear the seaweed off anchors and
follow good practice when moving
shellsh, such as oysters and mussels
that are being farmed.
Wed also like the public to
continue reporting sightings, as theyve
been crucial in helping us build up a
picture of how wireweed is spreading,
so please keep the records coming in.
If you spot wireweed washed up on
beaches, out on the water or tangled
on anchors, please email wireweed@
snh.gov.uk or call Fiona on 01738
458641 and give the location or grid
reference if possible. You can nd out
more about the species and what to
look for at www.snh.org.uk/wireweed.
21
17/10/08 10:33:12
News
Birding bonanza
New approach
A new approach to conserving
Scotlands wildlife and habitats has
been agreed between the Scottish
Government and SNH.
A reformed Scottish Biodiversity
Committee will be chaired directly
by Scottish Environment Minister
Mike Russell. It will consider the links
between biodiversity and other policy
areas like climate change, the economy
and health. It will also provide a forum
for exchanging views across the widest
possible range of interests in Scotland.
A series of other groups will
steer different elements of the
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy
including ecosystems, people
and communication, and science.
Launching the new structures, Scottish
22
Environment Minister Mike Russell

said: The health of our society and
economy in Scotland is intrinsically
linked to the health of our biodiversity
and ecosystems. Our habitats and
landscapes are at the heart of our
cultural identity and are a huge part of
Scotlands appeal as a place to visit
and live.
Colin Galbraith, SNHs director
of policy and advice, remarked that
Scotlands biodiversity is remarkable
and precious, and we all have a
responsibility to look after it for future
generations. SNH welcome the
launch of these new structures and
we look forward to working closely
with the people and organisations
whose decisions affect our wildlife to
take positive actions for biodiversity in
Scotland, he added.
A pair of spoonbills has successfully

bred for the rst time in Scotland and
for only the second time in the UK in
the last four centuries. A pair of these
graceful birds has raised and edged
three chicks on Kirkcudbright Bay in
Dumfries and Galloway.
Spoonbills have pure white plumage,
long dark legs and are named for their
unusual spatula-like bills. They use the
bill to feed, sweeping it back and forth
to lter out items disturbed by vigorous
paddling of their feet.
The birds will probably migrate
south, perhaps back to Holland or
southern Europe and north Africa,
where theyll spend the winter before
hopefully returning to Scotland to breed
again next year.
Birdwatchers in the southwest
of Scotland have also been given
the added bonus of a new wildlife
viewing hide at Carlingwark Loch, near
Castle Douglas. The hide, opened by
Environment Minister Michael Russell,
will provide a valuable educational and
recreational facility.
Carlingwark Loch is a Site of
Special Scientic Interest and is wellknown for its wintering wildfowl, in
particular ducks and swans. With an
increase in nature tourism, and the
benets it brings by attracting visitors in
the out of season months, Carlingwark
Loch will now feature as one of the
many viewing destinations in the area.
17/10/08 10:33:14
News
delivering health and well-being;
supporting the Scottish economy; and
delivering a high-quality public service.
Launching the strategy, Andrew
The management of Scotlands natural
Thin declared that Scotlands wildlife
environment should secure the widest
and scenery were among this countrys
possible benets for people. Thats
greatest assets and of huge economic
the message from SNHs chairman,
and social importance. This is
Andrew Thin, in the organisations new
central to our future as a vibrant and
corporate strategy.
sustainable country, he went on.
SNH have developed the strategy
SNHs job is to make sure this
with input from a range of organisations remarkable inheritance is properly
and after a full public consultation
cared for. And we need to do that in
earlier this year. The document also
a manner that will secure the widest
links the work of the organisation
possible range of benets for the
with the wider aims of the Scottish
people of Scotland. That's why this new
Government.
corporate strategy focuses on looking
It sets out SNHs key strategic
after our natural heritage and on the
priorities for the next ve years under
benets for people that we seek to
ve themes caring for nature;
secure from it.
responding to climate change;
Nature should
benet people
Seas set for

brighter future
Proposals in the Governments draft
Scottish Marine Bill represent a turning
point in the management of Scotlands
seas. Thats the view of SNH, who are
among a number of bodies asked by
the Scottish Government to comment
on initial ideas ahead of publication of
the draft bill.
The Governments consultation
paper, Sustainable Seas for All,
suggests a radical shake-up of the way
marine areas are currently managed.
SNH support the introduction of the
new marine management system, which
includes marine planning, licensing and
Marine Protected Areas.
SNH would also like to see the
bill include landscape and recreation
issues in relation to Scotlands seas,
as well as the conservation of marine
biodiversity. These are important
parts of the natural heritage and help
underpin tourism and other economic
activity.
www.snh.org.uk
We welcome the far-sighted

ideas in the Scottish Governments
proposals, commented Colin Galbraith,
SNHs director of policy and advice.
The plans outlined in this bill will help
manage the seas in a sustainable way
and should ensure the conservation
of this invaluable resource for years to
come.
"We strongly support the idea
of a marine planning system being
introduced and see it contributing to
a more integrated, forward looking
approach to the management of our

marine resources. These proposals
provide a rm basis for that and we
look forward to supporting the Scottish
Government in developing these
proposals further.
The Scottish Government will now
consider all the responses to its initial
consultation before publishing a draft
bill for public consultation in the rst
half of 2009. You can receive a copy of
SNHs full response by emailing SNH
at enquiries@snh.gov.uk
23
17/10/08 10:33:17
Testing the water

They were wiped out centuries ago in this country.
But a long-awaited project to bring back beavers
will see them released here into the wild next year
on a trial basis
17/10/08 10:33:21
17/10/08 10:33:28
Beavers will return to Scotlands wild wetlands next spring, Back from the brink
more than 450 years after they were hunted to extinction. Beavers were once widespread in
Norwegian conservation workers are currently catching up Europe and Asia, but by 1900 severe
to four families of beavers in their country for transporting hunting had reduced the population
to about 1,200 animals. Strict
to Scotland.
conservation measures, hunting quotas
These animals will feature in the trial release project put forward by the
Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
(RZSS) that Scottish Environment Minister Mike Russell approved earlier this
year. The Norwegian beavers will be placed in quarantine for six months before
being released next spring at lochs in the Knapdale area of Argyll.
The trial will be run over ve years (20092014) by the SWT and the RZSS,
with SNH independently monitoring the project on behalf of the Scottish
Government. SNH will also report to the Scottish Government on whether the
conditions of the trial licence are being fully addressed on the ground.
This will be the rst-ever formal reintroduction of a native mammal into the wild
in Britain. The adult beavers due to be released will be radio-tagged and their
movements closely monitored. Their impact on the local environment will be
considered before any decision on a wider reintroduction.
Britain is one of the few countries left in Europe where beavers once lived but
where theyre still missing today, explained Martin Gaywood, a Policy and
Advice Manager with SNH, who leads on monitoring requirements for the project.
Twenty-four other European countries have already successfully reintroduced
them.
There are beavers living in certain parts of Scotland and England, but theyre
all in fenced areas. This project will be the rst in Britain to release beavers back
into the wild.
and successful reintroductions (to well

over 100 sites across Europe) have led
to the beavers recovery.
The European beaver population is now
thought to number between 634,000
and 732,000. Its a valued game animal
across northern Europe and a tourist
attraction in several countries.
In Britain the beaver was already rare
by Roman times, and the last
archaeological records date from
around AD 900. Theres documentary
evidence that the species survived in
Wales until 1188 and in Scotland until
the 16th century. The last mention of
beavers here was from Hector Boece
in 1526, who referred to beavers in his
Cronikils of Scotland as abundant in
the Loch Ness area.
26
20/10/08 14:03:26
Lost for fur
1
Tree felling generally
happens more in the
colder months when
the beavers diet
changes to the bark of
trees.
Beavers were once found from the Chinese Mongolian

border in the east and across Europe to Britain in the west.
The fossil record shows the species was living in Britain two
million years ago.
Beavers were wiped out in Scotland in the 16th century.
They were killed for their fur which is soft and waterproof
for meat and for a substance from their scent glands, called
castoreum, which was used as an early painkiller.
People hunted out beavers when they were last here
but we have the chance now to see how well they t into the
modern Scottish countryside, explained Martin.
Other parts of Europe, with a similar landscape to
Scotland, have reintroduced beavers and found they have
a positive impact on the environment and other species.
But some people also have concerns about the effects of
beavers. The trial will allow us to study these issues further.
The European beaver is known as a keystone species
because of its useful inuence on habitats and conditions
for other species. Beavers can breathe new life into forests
and create a varied age range of trees to help woodland
management. And the ponds and wetlands they create can
become wildlife havens where other species thrive, including
birds, bats, insects and sh.
2
The woodland along
the waters edge at the
Knapdale site is mostly
broadleaf with plenty
of other plants in and
bordering the water,
making it ideal for
beavers.
Long time coming
Trial site
The proposal to reintroduce beaver to Scotland has been

a very lengthy process, observed Dave Batty, Policy and
Advice Manager for SNH in Lochgilphead, who will be the
local link with the project.
Work on this started more than 12 years ago and there
are very few wildlife conservation projects across Europe
that have had the same level of scrutiny.
But weve found no evidence from other countries of
beaver reintroductions being stopped or reversed because
of harmful effects. However, this trial will let us assess all
sides of the argument before decisions are made about any
further reintroductions.
Knapdale Forest is a Forestry

Commission Scotland woodland, part
of which is managed in partnership with
the Scottish Wildlife Trust as a wildlife
reserve. Its bordered by the sea to the
south. Much of the forest is made up
of conifers and is therefore unsuitable
for beavers. However, a core area has
low hills and valleys with a network of
lochs and burns. As the beavers will be
surrounded by conifers and cut off from
other suitable areas, its hoped they will
remain local during the trial rather than
moving elsewhere.
2
People hunted out beavers when

they were last here but we have
the chance now to see how well
they t into the modern Scottish
countryside.
www.snh.org.uk
27
20/10/08 14:03:43
28
17/10/08 10:33:41
Want to help?
Rough guide to beavers
For further information about the trial, please contact either

the SWT (tel: 0131 312 7765, click on www.swt.org.uk) or
the RZSS (tel: 0131 314 0309, click on www.edinburghzoo.
org.uk). Alternatively, go to www.scottishbeavers.org.uk
If you live in the mid-Argyll area and would like to help,
then therell be opportunities for volunteers to get involved.
You could work with the Beaver Trial Field Ofcer, scientists
and landowners to monitor and track the animals and their
impact on the environment. If youre interested, contact the
Project Manager on 01236 617 113.
Project partners SWT and RZSS have also launched
a public appeal for donations. They need to raise at least
750,000 to support the project. You can make a donation
at www.swt.org.uk/DonationForm.aspx or at www.rzss.org.
uk/support/donations/form.html
Beavers are the largest rodents in

Europe, weighing on average about 18
kg (40 lbs) and reaching almost 1.3
metres (4 ft) long (from nose to tail tip).
Species Action Framework
Beavers are active mainly at night, dawn

and dusk. They sometimes appear by
day if undisturbed.
The Species Action Framework is a ve-year programme, launched

in January 2007, which sets out a strategic approach to species
management in Scotland. SNH and various partners have identied
32 species, including the European beaver, in need of priority
action. Inclusion on the list can be based on several different
factors. In the case of the beaver, the EC Habitats Directive
requires member states to consider bringing back certain extinct
native species, and a well-developed plan exists to undertake a trial
reintroduction. You can nd further information at www.snh.org.uk/
speciesactionframework
Females tend to be heavier than males,

which is uncommon in mammals.
They usually live for seven or eight
years, but have been known to live for
up to 25 years.
Beavers mate for life. Baby beavers are
called kits and are born in May or June,
usually in litters of two or three.
They dont eat sh theyre

vegetarians. In spring and summer
beavers feed on a wide variety of
plants; in autumn and winter on twigs
and the bark of bushes and trees.
Beavers fell trees not only for building
material but also so that they can feed
on the bark and leaves that would
normally be out of reach.
They dont actually eat the wood of
trees. They spit the woodchips out,
leaving them around the felled tree.
Theyre ungainly on land but can move

quickly under water.
Their dives often last ve or six minutes,
but they can stay under water for up to
15 minutes.
3
Beavers have large,
webbed hind feet and
smaller front feet. The
front ones are used for
handling and carrying
materials.
4
Beavers need shelter
to avoid predators and
winter weather. They
often use an existing
riverbank hole or build
a lodge with an
underwater entrance.
www.snh.org.uk
An old name in Gaelic for the beaver is

dbhran-losleathan, meaning
broad-tailed otter.
In the 16th century, the Catholic
Church ruled that the beaver was a sh.
This meant that the ban on eating meat
on Fridays didnt include beaver meat.
29
17/10/08 10:33:49
More than 400 Rangers work

in Scotlands countryside, but
what exactly does their job
involve?
30

1
17/10/08 10:33:58
All in a days work

Over the last 30 years, Rangers have become a vital part of
the environmental scene in Scotland. Today, there are more
than 400 working in Scotland, employed by local authorities,
non-governmental organisations, private estates, community
groups and national agencies.
In a nutshell, you could say that the unique aspect of
being a Ranger is the connection of people and places.
Rangers roles are broad and vary depending on the area in
which they work and the issues they need to address, but
the key element is linking the needs of people and the land.
They help look after the countryside; encourage
responsible access to the outdoors; provide a welcome for
visitors; and help people understand the local environment
with the aim of getting them to appreciate and care for it.
SNH have traditionally supported many of these services
nancially and have encouraged the development and
expansion of the profession. However, from April next year
funding for local authority Ranger Services will be provided
directly by the local authorities. SNH will continue to
provide support to many of the Ranger Services operated
by the private, voluntary and community sectors. Well also
continue to support the training and development needs of
Scotlands Rangers through a national grant to the Scottish
Countryside Rangers Association.
Recently, SNH and key partners have looked at the
way in which Scotlands Rangers operate, and come up
with a revised vision and aims for them. A new Rangers in
Scotland statement to be published by SNH next month
recognises that Rangers are well placed to deliver a greener
and healthier Scotland.
Heres a avour of the valuable projects with which
Ranger Services are involved.
1
Schoolchildren on a
Ranger led walk at
Carmunnock
Cemetery, Glasgow.
2
Chief Countryside
Ranger Tom McGrath
and a visitor at Monikie
Country Park,
Broughty Ferry,
Dundee.
Scottish Borders Council

Ranger Service
Staff have been working with The
Ability Centre in Galashiels and the
Borders Disability Forum since 2002.
The project involves monthly visits
to local countryside locations in the
summer and recording the access and
wildlife there. In the winter the web
pages, with descriptions of more than
30 locations, are updated using photos
and memories of the visits.
Here are a couple of quotes from the
Ability Centres outdoor visit diary:
We have enjoyed the visits. I didnt

realise there were so many places to
visit on our doorstep.
Visit enjoyed by group. Hope to return
next year in better weather.
The Ability Centre continue to update
this information with outdoor visits
to countryside locations planned
throughout 2008, including a walk
in the Scottish Borders Festival
of Walking 2008. See www.
bordersdisabilityforum.org.uk/news/
rangers
www.snh.org.uk
31
17/10/08 10:34:03
South Lanarkshire Council

Countryside and
Greenspace Service
Forest School
The Forest School is a Ranger-led
initiative, initially targeted at primary
school children with behaviour issues.
In 2005, Rangers developed a
partnership with Phoenix Futures to test
Forest School as a therapy for drug and
alcohol dependency.
Phoenix Futures now have their
own trained Forest School leader
and are leading two programmes
each year. Pilot projects with schools
have been received enthusiastically
and work is under way to resource
future programmes across the nursery,
primary and secondary sectors.
Rangers are now working towards
accreditation, so as to provide high
-quality, in-house leadership training to
council colleagues and other partners.
Eday and Sanday

Ranger Services
Roderick Thorne and Anne Bignall
are Rangers on Sanday and Eday,
two of Orkneys outer north isles. The
development organisations for these
islands created the part-time posts with
SNH and other grants.
Rod and Anne have each
researched and published a set of
information leaets about the natural
history of the two islands, along with
a light-hearted yer illustrating some
of the walks, activities and events they
organise. This year theyve undertaken
several joint ventures for the public,
aimed at raising awareness of the
natural heritage of the islands. These
have included trips to North Ronaldsay
and Papa Westray, as well as
organising a unique adventure, Three
Islands for the Favoured Four.
32
17/10/08 10:34:05
Highland Council Ranger Service
East Lothian Council Ranger Service
The Healthy Minds project in Grantown-on-Spey is set up

as a self-help group for those with mental health difculties
and aims to reduce isolation and stigma through group
activities and social occasions. They go out on walks with
the Rangers Service every two weeks, ensuring that they get
some exercise while experiencing the natural world both of
which are considered essential for mental health recovery.
Horse riders, surfers, kite-buggiers and a host of other

sports and informal recreational users all want to enjoy
their own activity along the large sandy beach at Belhaven
Bay, Dunbar. Unfortunately, due to lack of communication
between users, there were misunderstandings on all sides
about the needs and problems faced by each sport. Who
would have thought a horse would be spooked by a surf
board 100 metres out to sea? Moreover, how could wildlife
and conservation issues be addressed?
The Countryside Ranger got involved and the different
users found they had a lot in common. They have since
put their talents to good use to provide information before
people visit the site see www.belhavenbay.org and
produce clear information for all users when they arrive.
3
Atholl Estates
Seasonal Ranger
Maree Morrison leads
a guided walk in a
forest near Blair Atholl.
4
Lisa King gets children
up close with nature at
Crombie Country Park
in Angus.
www.snh.org.uk
33
20/10/08 14:03:55
Events diary
November
2008/2009
December
Tuesday 4th Nov
Tuesday 11th Nov
Thursday 20th Nov
Tuesday 2nd Dec
Saturday 13th Dec
Northern Isles
Area Open Event
St Magnus Centre,
Kirkwall, Orkney
Sharing Good
Practice: Controlling
invasive non-native
species in freshwaters
and wetlands
Battleby, Perth
Sharing Good
Practice: Written
in stone
interpreting special
geological places
Alexandra Hotel,
Fort William
Sharing Good
Practice: Landscape
inspiration and
implementation
Battleby, Perth
Gorse Bonre
Taynish NNR,
Argyll
All welcome (please

check with local Area
ofce to conrm venue
and timings).
Non-native species
pose an increasing
threat to our
freshwaters, wetlands
and neighbouring land.
This is an opportunity
to discuss successful
control methods and
strategies for dealing
with invasive plants and
animals.
This workshop is for

enthusiasts involved in
promoting Scotlands
landscapes and
locally important
sites. Participants
are encouraged to
bring along their own
geological text on which
to work.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Tel. 01577 864 439
Saturday 15th Nov
Thursday 20th Nov
Sunday 9th Nov
Beech Pull
Taynish NNR,
Argyll
Forth & Borders

Area Open Event
Rothes Hall,
Glenrothes
Wednesday 5th Nov

Meet the Wardens
Loch Leven NNR,
Tayside
Drop into the boathouse
hide between 12.00
15.00 and discover
more about the wildlife
of Loch Leven.
Fungi Foray
Loch Leven NNR,
Tayside
Meet at Burleigh
Sands car park and
join a guided walk with
Tony Wilson, British
Mycological Society.
Booking essential.
Tel. 01577 864 439
Help hunt and pluck

seedlings in our native
oakwoods.
Tel. 01546 603611
All welcome (please

ofce to conrm venue
and timings).
Sunday 16th Nov
Tuesday 25th Nov
Slash, Burn and

Potatoes
Flanders Moss NNR,
Stirling
Sharing Good
Practice: A place for
life environment,
health and well-being
Battleby, Perth
Tel. 01786 450 362
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Wednesday 3rd Dec
Spend the day (10.30

16.00) cutting and
burning scrub on a wet
meadow and enjoy
baked potatoes cooked
on the scrub fuelled re
afterwards. Booking
essential.
34
This event looks at how

landscapes of all scales
can be managed and
designed to create
sustainable places
where people can nd
enjoyment, security and
inspiration
West Highland
Area Open Event
Dunollie Hotel,
Broadford, Skye
All welcome (please
ofce to conrm venue
and timings).
Come along and help

slash and burn to
keep the right mix of
grassland and cover.
Tel. 01546 603611
Sunday 14th Dec
Christmas Tree
Scavenge
Flanders Moss NNR,
Stirling
Help clear small pine
trees from the bog
for the day (10.30
16.00) and take home
your own Scots pine
Christmas tree. Booking
essential.
Tel. 01786 450 362
Sustainable places
support the physical
and mental health and
well-being of people.
This event will examine
links between natural
heritage and well-being.
Tel: 01738 458 556
sgp@snh.gov.uk
17/10/08 10:34:12
January
February
Thursday 22nd Jan
Wednesday 28th Jan
Sunday 15th Feb
Tayside &
Clackmannanshire
Area Open Event
Forfar
(venue tbc)
Sharing Good
Practice:
The participant
sustainable
communities and
sustainable places
Battleby, Perth
Woodland Tidy Up
Flanders Moss NNR,
Stirling
All welcome (please

check SNH website or
with local Area ofce
to conrm venue and
timings).
People make
successful, sustainable
places. This event will
be of interest to anyone
working to involve
people in improving
places.
Tel: 01738 458 556
sgp@snh.gov.uk
Dismantle and recycle

(from 10.30 16.00)
disused pheasant pens
from a wood on the
edge of Flanders Moss.
Booking essential.
Tel. 01786 450 362
Thursday 19th Feb
North Highland
Area Open Event
Ullapool
(venue tbc)
All welcome (please
check SNH website or
with local Area ofce
to conrm venue and
timings).
www.snh.org.uk
35
17/10/08 10:34:16
Crag of the
rocky place
1
Two or three young
peregrines are
successfully edged at
Craigellachie in most
years.
The grey crags and silver birchwoods of

Craigellachie National Nature Reserve are
just 15 minutes walk from the centre of
Aviemore. The reserve presents an
appealing mix of woodland, open glades
and tree-fringed lochs. From the summit
there are wonderful views over Strathspey
to the high plateau of the Cairngorms. You
can enjoy a pleasant visit here at any time of
year, but autumn brings a dazzling display
when the birch leaves turn to burnished
russet, gold and yellow.
36
17/10/08 10:34:20
Craigellachie Trail
Leaving Aviemore behind you,
enter the underpass that runs
beneath the busy A9 Perth to
Inverness trunk road. The trail
starts at the end.
1
Standing at the reserve entrance,
youre very aware of the trafc
thundering past on the A9 above.
It provides a vivid contrast with the
sounds of the natural world that
gradually take over as you move farther
into the reserve. Look out for a sign
promoting a mobile phone-guided walk
or Mobitour of Craigellachie, which is
also available from here.
2
Carry on along the path and take the
left fork. Youll shortly come to the
second Mobitour stop. From here
you can look up to an impressive
crag above. This crag probably gave
rise to the reserves placename, as
Craigellachie is thought to come from
the Gaelic for Crag of the rocky place.
If youre lucky you may also see one
of the resident peregrines or hear
the mewing calls of a buzzard. Each
summer the crag provides one of the
most successful breeding sites in
Scotland for peregrines.
This woodland trail of some 4 km/2.5 miles

introduces you to some of the reserve
highlights. The route can be shortened to
miss out the viewpoint (stop 4), thus avoiding
the steepest and hardest section of the trail.
Use the numbered map and directions in
the text to guide you round.
5
3
6
7
2
www.snh.org.uk
37
21/10/08 17:02:48
3
Continuing along the path, take the next
left fork and, after a gradual climb, take
the next left again. At this point the path
branches sharp left and gets steeper
before levelling out. This brings you
onto a path through the higher section
of the wood. Youre now in the heart of
the birchwood, which is thought to have
existed here for over 140 years. Birch
is one of the worlds hardiest trees and
would have been one of the rst trees
to appear after the ice that covered
Scotlands landscape retreated some
11,000 years ago.
4
Continue along the path and turn left
when the path meets the access track
to the water tank. This track leads
to a path, quite steep in places, that
winds its way up through woodland
to the top of the ridge overlooking the
rest of the reserve. From here you can
enjoy superb views across the River
Spey to the Scots pine forests of
Rothiemurchus and Glenmore. On the
horizon are the Cairngorms, embracing
the largest area of high ground in
Britain. An autumn visit means you may
also hear red deer stags roaring higher
up the hill as they compete against
each other for the mating rights to a
group of hinds. The best time to hear
them is dawn or dusk.
2
The reserve is close to
Aviemore and the
paths through the
woodland are popular
with both local people
and visitors.
3
Autumn brings the
rutting season for red
deer, when stags
engage in roaring
contests with rival
males.
4
Loch Puladdern and
the old reservoir
contain brown trout,
the increasingly rare
three-spined
sticklebacks and
minnows.
38
17/10/08 10:34:32
www.snh.org.uk
39
17/10/08 10:34:40
5
Return back down the path and access
track, take the second path on the right,
marked by a second small
waymarker, with a green arrow pointing
right, located at the left-hand side of
the track. This path leads you through
the lower half of the woodland. One
of the reserves main attractions is its
variety of owering plants, mosses and
lichens. But in autumn youll also come
across a ne assortment of fungi. Over
70 kinds have been recorded here,
many of them linked to birch trees.
6
Carry on along the path and youll meet
the rst of two lochans. This is an old
reservoir, which now supports
abundant plantlife and is important in
the summer for dragonies. You can still

see the old concrete sluice and water
gauge of the reservoir, which was built
in the mid-19th century to provide for
the growing population of Aviemore.
The village now receives its water from
Loch Einich in the Cairngorms.
7
Continue along the path and take the
left fork, followed by the next left again.
This path eventually leads you to
picturesque Loch Puladdern, where
you may spot brown trout around the
waters edge. The clamour of trafc on
the A9 tells you that youre back at the
reserve entrance. Take the next fork left
to access the path that will take you
back through the tunnel to Aviemore.
5
Craigellachie lies on
the Monadh Liath the
grey hills, owing to the
colour of their rock.
From the summit you
look over to the
Cairngorms in the
Monadh Ruadh the
red hills, named after
their red granite.
6
The Craigellachie
birchwoods are mostly
made up of silver birch
trees with a life span of
about 100 years.
7
Fungi are vital to our
woodlands. This
chanterelle, for
example, feeds off
sugars from the trees
and in return gives
nutrients back to the
trees.
40
20/10/08 14:04:25
Essential information
Theres a Tourist Information Centre, toilets and plentiful car

parking in the village.
Access to Craigellachie is via the path along the village
street that leads to the Youth Hostel. Theres a rough
path from the Aviemore Youth Hostel, which leads to an
underpass beneath the A9 to the reserve entrance.
OS maps
Landranger 36 (Grantown & Aviemore), Explorer 403
(Cairn Gorm & Aviemore).
Trail length
Approximately 4 km/2.5 miles.
Terrain
The start and end of the walk are on level, wide, wellsurfaced paths. The paths can be wet at times with loose
stones and tree roots. Expect a gradual climb from about
250 metres (820 ft) to just under 500 metres (1,640 ft) at
the summit viewpoint.
Bus and rail

The nearest train station and bus stop are in the centre of
Aviemore, about 15 minutes walk away from the reserve.
For more information, please contact: Scottish Natural
Heritage, Achantoul, Aviemore, PH22 1QD, tel: 01479
810 477.
Craigellachie is one of 58
National Nature Reserves in
Scotland. Find out more at
www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
www.snh.org.uk
41
17/10/08 10:34:45
SNH Area News

North Highland
Correspondent: Ian Mitchell
Ancient sites new welcome
Birthday treat at Fleet
Rock n' stroll at Knockan
Achanarras Quarry is famous for its 380

million-year-old fossil sh. In the
summer we opened new visitor facilities
at the Caithness quarry, and to mark the
event we organised a special fossil hunt
for all ages.
Visitors are now welcomed by an
orientation map and new information
panels illustrating where the fossil sh
t into geological time. Theres also an
introduction to the Fossil Code, which
replaces the fossil-collecting permit
system previously used here.
A walk along the new timeline that
borders the 1.6 km (1 mile) track to
the quarry takes fossil hunters back in
time to the age of shes. The timeline
appears on engraved Caithness
agstones, and for every three metres
you walk it represents a journey back in
time of about a million years.
Weve also built a new agstone
shelter at the quarry to offer some
protection in bad weather. Information
panels on the walls tell the story of the
ancient lake and describe the
specimens found at Achanarras. There
will also be a panel for news about the
site and facilities to record any new
fossil nds. For further information
about the site, please contact the SNH
Golspie ofce at
North.Highland@snh.gov.uk
Hundreds of locals and tourists turned

out for the 10th anniversary
celebrations of Loch Fleet National
Nature Reserve (NNR). The crowds
were drawn by a packed programme
of events and entertainments staged
over the rst weekend in August. All
the events highlighted the richness and
variety of the reserve and its attractions
for visitors of all ages and abilities.
In glorious summer weather, over 60
people went on a walk with storyteller
and musician Bob Pegg, and the
lunchtime musical picnics were a big
hit. Visitors could also explore the
reserve through a range of other guided
walks, activities and events, and there
were environmental games and
activities for the younger visitors.
Despite a dramatic change in the
weather, the nal Birthday Party was
celebrated in true style. Over 150
attended and enjoyed the barbecue,
with venison burgers kindly provided
by the Forestry Commission. The local
Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band
played 'Happy Birthday', and there was
a spectacular grey seal birthday cake
created specially by Diane Baum. Our
thanks to all those partners who helped
make this such a successful event. For
further details, visit the NNR website
www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
Throughout the summer, geologist

Donald Fisher was available at Knockan
Crag NNR to lead guided walks and
interpret the geology of the site and
wider area. His walks and talks were
so well received that one grateful father
wrote to say: My 11-year-old son and
his pal and I joined Donalds tour. Two
hours and many laughs later, wed
learned so much that the boys thought
it the highlight of the holiday a
geology lecture!
To end the successful season and
help celebrate Rock On, the Scottish
Geology Festival, we invited Highland
storyteller and musician Bob Pegg
(pictured above) to perform a couple of
story walks in September.
Bobs Stone Age Stories revealed
how people entertained themselves
before the days of TV, computers,
Xboxes and Game Boys! Participants
were invited to join in a Rock around
the Walk, as he demonstrated how the
earliest people might have made music
from the simplest materials stones,
bones, shells, wood and clay.
His more mellow Rock n' Stroll a
gentle walk round the lower reaches
of Knockan Crag reected on the
legends and wildlife of the west coast,
accompanied by the haunting sound of
the native American eagle ute.
42
17/10/08 10:34:49
SNH Area News

Forth & Borders
Correspondents: Tom Cunningham, Sarah Eno, John OKeefe
The real heroes
Jewels in the Borders
Wheres the nature near you?
Our volunteers are, without doubt, a

truly valuable asset; without them we
couldnt achieve all that we do on our
National Nature Reserves.
Volunteers come in all shapes and
sizes, spanning the young to the
young at heart, and carry out an
assorted range of everyday
management, educational and
monitoring tasks some more
enjoyable than others!
Regardless of the activity, and the
length and duration of volunteering,
all tasks at Tentsmuir NNR are carried
out with a true sense of commitment
and to a good standard. We also
benet from volunteers' specialist
knowledge of local history, as well as
of local plants and animals.
In 1997 we had no volunteers at
Tentsmuir. Thankfully, over the years,
numbers have grown steadily, and
we now have 24 volunteers who visit
and work on the reserve on a regular
basis. I know some take their
contribution for granted, saying
theyre only doing what they love
doing. But you might be surprised to
know that they provide us with almost
3,000 work hours each and every
year the equivalent of one and a half
full-time staff! And, yes, as reserve
manager Im still very busy!!
Amongst the rolling landscapes of the

Scottish Borders lies one of the
greatest concentrations of basin
wetlands in the UK. Four of these
Beanrig, Blackpool, Nether Whitlaw
and Murder Moss make up Whitlaw
Mosses National Nature Reserve.
A walk round the reserve takes you
past small open-water pools known as
well eyes, wet bouncing mossy lawns,
softly waving sedge elds, starry bogbean swamps, ower-speckled grassy
islands and gnarled lichen-covered
willow scrub.
These places are a haven for insects
water beetles, butteries, burnet
moths, dragonies and darters. There
are also a number of nationally scarce
plants and mosses, including coral root
orchid and alpine rush.
The Mosses are small. Their secrets
lie in observing at the ne scale,
allowing your senses to experience the
sights, smells and sounds of this most
enchanting of reserves. May to
September are the best months to visit,
with the earlier part being good for the
squealing of water rail, as well as
orchids and other owering plants.
Autumn is dazzling for dragonies and
the colours of the sedges.
That was the question SNH staff asked

children at this years Edinburgh
multicultural Mela Festival in August.
Mela means gathering in Sanskrit, so
its a bit like a massive ceilidh; but as
well as music and dance theres a focus
on foods and family activities.
We were working with the Forestry
Commission in the childrens area,
which had a Looking after your planet
theme linked to climate change. After
enjoying a world tour through forest
experiences in different country zones,
children were challenged with a quiz
asking them where theyd like to go
to enjoy nature near their home using
public transport. Children were given
wildlife prizes to remind them of their
visit.
To help them in future nature
expeditions they won a copy of a
colourful Guide to nature spotting. We
also had supplies of Go Wild with your
Child in and Around Edinburgh and the
Lothians to help give mum and dad new
ideas for places to visit near home, and
Outdoor Diaries with lots of events
and activities for adults and
children. You can nd the Go wild
booklet on our website at
www.snh.org.uk/pubs/detail.
asp?id=124 and the nature diary at
www.outdoor-diary.info
www.snh.org.uk
43
17/10/08 10:34:54
SNH Area News

Grampian
Correspondent: Ewen Cameron
All of nature
for all of Scotland
Look behind the headlines
SNH do work with glamorous wildlife

like the red kites in the next story,
Moray Firth dolphins, Deeside
capercaillie or Buchan gannets.
But we keep an eye on the less
glamorous too. On the coast near
Stonehaven theres a colony of narrowmouthed whorl snails. Theyre tiny, so
dont spend a lot of time looking for
them. Theyre one of Britains
rarest snails and vulnerable to land use
change across Europe.
You might think people interested
in a snail you can hardly see are barmy,
and need to get a life! But thats what
biodiversity is really about the huge
jigsaw of wild plants and animals: the
big, the small, the common and the
rare. Its wildlife that fertilises owers
in our gardens and crops in our elds;
wildlife that decomposes dog pooh and
attacks greeny and midges; wildlife
that cleans rivers; wildlife that draws
tourists and enriches the quality of our
lives.
So when you read about SNH trying
to protect something like a tiny snail,
remember biodiversity its why all
wildlife matters.
Most of what we know about where
Scotlands wildlife lives comes from
thousands of ordinary people. So
check these websites for information
and inspiration www.nesbrec.org.uk
or www.highlandnaturalists.com and
come along and help.
You might think SNH are only interested

in wild places like the Cairngorm
mountains or the rugged Buchan sea
cliffs. But, no matter where you live,
youre entitled to enjoy Scotlands
wildlife and we try hard to ensure you
can.
For two years, weve been working
with partners including RSPB and
Aberdeen Greenspace to bring one
of natures wildlife spectacles back to
Aberdeen. Once common in Scotlands
cities, red kites disappeared from
Aberdeen in the mid-1800s. As
scavengers, they probably spent time
hanging around battleelds during
Scotlands turbulent and gory past.
Now they take road kill, such as rabbits.
Persecution played a major part
in their decline and although some
still die as a result of poisoning in
these more enlightened times, farmers,
landowners and local people have
been very supportive. Grampian Police,
local schools, Aberdeen Football Club,
solicitors and others have all provided
support and named birds.
About the size of buzzards, red kites
have a distinctive forked tail and are
very graceful in ight. So far theyve
been seen as far into the city as
Hazelhead. So watch out for them, but
not when driving please!
Check this website for more details:
www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/
projects/aberdeen_kites
Quango hold up development

SNH put jobs at risk. Youve
probably read or heard headlines like
these we certainly have. But the full
story is usually very different.
You might think nearly all of
Scotland is protected by some wildlife
designation, but in truth its about 13%.
In Aberdeenshire its only 6% and in
Moray 8.5%. Aberdeen has just 0.25%,
not surprising you might think but
Glasgow has 0.85% and Edinburgh
4.5%.
Quality of life is an increasingly
important selling point when
encouraging inward investment or
proposing new development. In the
northeast, the natural heritage is a vital
part of the high quality of life we enjoy.
The Scottish Government have
given SNH the responsibility of advising
others so that what natural heritage we
have left is not lost. We full that duty
in lots of ways: recommending changes
to proposed developments, funding
dozens of organisations like Sense
Scotland, Birse Community Trust and
RSPB, funding countryside rangers and
new footpaths the list goes on.
Next time you hear about SNH
causing trouble, look behind the
headlines. This part of our website has
lots on what SNH is doing in your name
www.snh.org.uk/snhi we hope you
enjoy it.
44
17/10/08 10:34:58
SNH Area News

Northern Isles
Correspondents: Karen Hall, Esther Pawley
Shetlands killer whales
Nature Detectives
Sea planning
Shetland is one of the best places in

Britain to see killer whales. During the
summer, killer whales are seen close
inshore around Shetland and appear
to be mainly preying upon seals.
However, in autumn local shermen
see large groups of over 50 killer
whales feeding on mackerel in the
offshore waters around the islands.
One of the main tools to study
killer whales is photo-identication:
each dorsal n and saddle patch (the
white area behind the n) is unique,
like a human ngerprint.
The analysis of photos seems to
show that the same groups return to
Shetland each year during the
summer and also travel to Orkney and
Caithness. However, they appear to
be distinct from the killer whales
regularly seen around the Hebrides.
If you encounter killer whales then
you can help with the research, which
is part-funded by SNH. You can call
University of Aberdeen staff on 07500
380524 with the time, location and
direction of travel of the whales. You
could also try and photograph as
many of the dorsal ns and saddle
patches as possible and email them
to a.d.foote@abdn.ac.uk
A richly illustrated booklet that aims to

inspire children to get out and record
Orkneys wonderful heritage has just
been launched. Members of the Orkney
Community Environment Awareness
Network (OCEAN) developed the
practical wildlife and cultural heritage
studies booklet, which is suitable for
primary-age children. Its based on a
popular booklet that was once
produced by the Orkney Field Club.
It covers topics such as birds,
plants, minibeasts, seashore life,
mammals and archaeology, all of which
can be seen in Orkney. Designed as a
challenge, children can earn points for
each wildlife observation recorded and
by answering questions. When theyve
gained enough points they receive a
Nature Detectives award.
Members of the network, which
includes SNH, launched the publication
at Orkney Schools week in September.
They went out to schools throughout
Orkney, giving an introduction to the
challenge and helping to start young
detectives on their way. OCEAN hopes
to inspire a new generation by
supplying the booklets to all interested
P4P7 children in the islands. For
further information about OCEAN see
www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/OCEAN
The sea is incredibly important to

people in Shetland. We live beside it,
work on it and enjoy the benets of
having such a rich resource on our
doorstep. No-one is ever farther than
a mile away from the sea and we enjoy
the natural heritage such as
seabirds, otters and killer whales that
it supports. A large part of Shetlands
economy is based on the sea, be it from
shing, sh farming or recreation and
tourism.
All these activities put ever
-increasing demands on the resource
and the wildlife that it supports. So
were currently developing a Marine
Spatial Plan to try and manage
activities and protect the important
resource of the seas around Shetland.
The Plan is one of only four in
Scotland. Its managed and guided
by a local steering group, made up
of people with interests in the marine
environment and the jobs it supports.
Weve just produced draft policies with
the aim of guiding development away
from sensitive areas and well be trying
to put the plan into practice for the rst
time over the winter. To nd out more
please visit:
www.nafc.ac.uk/SSMEI.aspx
www.snh.org.uk
45
17/10/08 10:35:01
46

1
17/10/08 10:35:03
In the rst of a series of

Gaelic articles (each with a
summary in English) on the
close relationship between
our language and Scotlands
environment, Ruairidh
MacIlleathain looks at a
plant with a
strong
connection
to Saint
Columba.
1
Lus Chaluim Chille no
achlasan Chaluim
Chille tha an lus seo
ceangailte gu lidir ris
an naomh as ainmeile
ann an eachdraidh nan
Gidheal Albannach.
Lus Chaluim Chille or
achlasan Chaluim
Chille Gaelic
tradition links
Hypericum pulchrum
strongly to the most
important saint in the
history of Gaelic
Scotland.
www.snh.org.uk
Lus Chaluim Chille

Tha lus a bhuineas don genus Hypericum a gilain ainm
naoimh a tha air leth cudromach do na Gidheil Calum Cille.
S e Hypericum pulchrum lus Chaluim Chille. Ann am Beurla
canar slender St Johns-wort ris. Carson a tha an d shluagh a
ceangal an luis seo ri d naomh eadar-dhealaichte?
Tha e coltach gu bheil na h-ainmean co-cheangailte ri
meadhan an t-samhraidh. S e Latha Fill Ein 24 gmhios
m math airson an lus seo a bhuain. Ach, mus deach am
mosachan rachadh ann an 1582, bha Latha Fill Chaluim
Chille (9 gmhios) air gluasad air adhart gu 21 gmhios
grian-stad an t-samhraidh. Mas e am mosachan as coireach
ri ainm Gidhlig an luis, ge-t, tha beul-aithris air an ceangal
a neartachadh gu mr.
Anns an 21mh linn tha mran a cleachdadh
Hypericuman mar leigheas, gu h-raidh airson trom-inntinn.
Bha na Gidheil fhathast a cleachdadh lus Chaluim Chille
gu mr anns an 19mh linn an aghaidh buidseachd agus
airson sthe is pailteas a bhith anns an taigh. Bhiodh r agus
mnathan ga ghilain fon achlais chl s am faigheadh na
stuthan ceimigeach a-steach don bhodhaig. Ach, airson a
bhith ifeachdach, a rir beul-aithris, dhfheumte an lus a lorg
gun sireadh s gun iarraidh.
Tha sin gar toirt gu ainm eile air Hypericum pulchrum
achlasan Chaluim Chille. Tha achlasan a ciallachadh
pasgan beag a chuirear fon achlais. Tha grunn stiridhean
ann beul-aithris mun ainm seo. Tha fear dhiubh ag innse
mu ghille a bha na chobair. Bha an t-eagal air ron oidhche,
agus e a-muigh leis na caoraich. Thug Calum Cille badan
dhen lus seo dha agus dhiarr e air a chur fo achlais. Rinn an
gille sin agus cha robh an t-eagal air tuilleadh.
Tha stiridh eile ann gur e Calum Cille fhin a chuireadh
an lus seo fo achlais ann an sporan leathair. Thug an lus
spionnadh is neart don naomh agus, mar sin, s dcha gun
do dhatharraich e eachdraidh na h-Alba!
The slender St Johns-wort, Hypericum pulchrum, is linked to

St Columba, rather than St John, in Gaelic tradition. Its still
known as lus Chaluim Chille (Columbas plant).
The connection might stem from the fact that each saints
feast day occurs in midsummer, when this plant used
traditionally in Scotland against witchcraft and to ensure
peace and plenty is ready to harvest.
Gaelic tradition says its most effective when happened
upon accidentally. It was traditionally placed under the left
oxter, from where chemicals could enter the bloodstream,
and this gives the species a secondary name of achlasan
Chaluim Chille (Columbas small armpit package).
Whatever the origin of the name, oral tradition has
handed down a number of stories that link Gaelic Scotlands
most important saint to this plant.
47
17/10/08 10:35:08
Picture perfect
For the past 18 years the Scottish Nature
Photography Fair has showcased the work of some
of the nest nature photographers from around the
world.
The annual autumn gathering takes place at
SNHs conference centre at Battleby, outside
Perth, and is a two-day jamboree of presentations,
exhibitions, workshops and trade stalls.
This years event in early September presented
a blend of familiar faces along with some new
speakers, and over the next few pages we feature
some of the dramatic images that enthralled the
audiences.
17/10/08 10:35:10
Gary Williamson
Gary lives north of Inverness and is a
keen hill-walker and outdoor sports
enthusiast. He took up paragliding in
1997 and became aware that the views
he witnessed of wild spaces were
going virtually unrecorded. Garys talk
introduced his sport and the stories
behind the photographs he has taken
over the past two years.
www.snh.org.uk
49
17/10/08 10:35:15
Alan Watson
Based at Findhorn on the Moray Firth
coast, Alan is Executive Director of the
award-winning conservation charity,
Trees for Life. Hes well-known for his
images of the Caledonian Forest and
has travelled extensively around the
world in the past 25 years to
photograph trees and forests. His
talk featured a photographic journey
through the forests of the world.
www.forestlight.co.uk
50
17/10/08 10:35:19
David Tipling
David Tipling has had a passion for
birds from an early age. His
presentation covered some of his
favourite images (not just birds) as well
as those he considers were important
landmarks in his career. He also
introduced a selection of images
commissioned for an on-going six-year
project exploring how humans interact
with birds around the world.
www.davidtipling.com
www.snh.org.uk
51
17/10/08 10:35:25
Laurie Campbell
With a life-long interest in the natural
world, Laurie Campbell has dedicated
over 30 years to photographing the
Scottish landscape and its distinctive
plants and wildlife. His presentation
included coverage of a few iconic
Scottish species together with some
recent images from projects close to
his home in the Scottish Borders.
www.lauriecampbell.com
52
17/10/08 10:35:30
Jos B Ruiz
Jos was born in Alicante, Spain, and is
a self-taught photographer and writer.
Hes Spains most awarded
photographer, and his talk explored
the natural wonders of a country rich
in biodiversity, which forms the bridge
between Africa and Europe. He also
talked about composition in classical
art and how his interest in this area has
helped his photography.
www.josebruiz.com
www.snh.org.uk
53
17/10/08 10:35:34
Scotlands countryside now has some of

the most progressive legislation in Europe
for outdoor access. But how many people
are aware of the rights and responsibilities
that go with it?
Do you
Know the
Code?
54
17/10/08 10:35:38
The Scottish public now have far greater outdoor

access rights than anywhere else in the UK,
thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003,
which gave everyone a right of access to most
land and inland water.
This ground-breaking legislation came after decades of
confusion and debate about access to the countryside.
The Act did make it clear, however, that the right of access
depends on people behaving responsibly.
In order to reach some agreement on what represents
responsible behaviour, SNH were given the job of drawing
up a Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
SNH were also given the task of publicising the Code
and promoting its understanding, explained Dougie Pollok,
a Strategy & Communications Manager with SNH, who has
led the Code promotional campaign from the outset.
So we worked with consultants to develop a memorable
way to launch the Code. It was based on the idea of virtual
trafc lights appearing in the countryside. The trafc lights
aimed to get the message across that there are times to go
and times to stop and think. They were backed up with a
strapline encouraging people to Know the Code before you
go.
The approach has been used across television, radio
and press advertising, as well as publications. Events
and training workshops have also been run to try and
raise awareness and understanding of the Code and to
encourage others to pass on its messages.
In 2003/04 research showed that over 80% of the public
were totally unaware of the Code. But by spring this year the
situation had been reversed, with gures showing that 67%
of the general public had heard of the Code and 94% of land
managers (one of the key target audiences) were aware of it.
www.snh.org.uk
New heights
Thats the highest level of awareness weve recorded so
far, Dougie remarked, and its gratifying to see such a high
percentage of the public have now heard of the Code. The
TV adverts have played a big part in making people aware,
and weve distributed 40,000 copies of the full Code and
750,000 of the summary leaets since the 2005 launch."
Research has also shown positive changes in attitudes
and behaviour. More recreation users now think that land
owners/managers have improved their approach to public
access responsibilities, and more land owners/managers
think the behaviour of recreation users taking access across
their land has improved in relation to their responsibilities.
In addition, theres been a reduction in the problems
experienced by both recreation users and land owners/
managers, and more people within both groups are reporting
that theyve experienced no access related problems. And
land managers, who were initially concerned that the new
legislation would lead to their work being disrupted, are now
saying that these fears have not been borne out.
One of the other interesting points to note from the
recent research is the proportion of recreation users saying
that they feel very comfortable when using the countryside,
continued Dougie. Its gone up from 63% to 72%, which
seems to suggest that some of the concerns people
expressed in the past about accessing the countryside may
be starting to recede.
Nobodys suggesting that all the problems have gone.
Far from it we all know there are still places that have real
difculties with issues like anti-social wild camping and dogs
not being kept under control. But there does seem to be
greater understanding on all sides and a willingness to try
and make the new legislation work.
55
17/10/08 10:35:43
Woodlands have a
huge part to play in
protecting and increasing
Scotlands wildlife. Forestry
Commission Scotland
outline how they plan
to increase woodland
biodiversity
Woods for
nature
56
Over the past 20 years, Forestry Commission

Scotland (FCS) have been encouraging more and
more changes to the way Scotlands woods are
managed in order to help increase biodiversity or
the variety of life they contain.
FCS's recently published Woods for Nature programme
sets out the range of our work, all of which aims to
help achieve the Scottish Governments priorities for
conservation. Many of our projects involve partnership work
with agencies such as SNH, RSPB and others, who are
helping us meet our aims.
One of FCS's key long-term goals is to increase the area
of Scotland under trees from 17% to 25% by the middle of
this century. Much of that increase should come from native
or mixed woodlands because these have lots of benets for
biodiversity. These native woodlands are made up of trees
that occur naturally in this country.
Getting the right trees in the right places will be
important, but we also need to make sure we protect
important areas for wildlife. In some cases this might mean
removing trees from areas where theyre damaging valuable
open habitats, such as some blanket bogs.
20/10/08 14:04:38
Native woods
FCS are also focusing on improving and restoring existing

native and ancient woods, especially sites that have been
chosen as the best examples of their kind. Working with
SNH and the Deer Commission, weve assessed the work
needed to improve the condition of these designated sites.
Now were advising landowners of the opportunities
available through the Scottish Rural Development
Programme.
To help landowners plan and better manage their native
woods, its vital that we learn more about our native
woodland how much there is, where it is and what
condition its in. So the Commission, with support from SNH,
are also carrying out Scotlands rst national survey to
provide a complete listing and map of native woods in
Scotland. This will provide really valuable information for
planning, managing and reporting on our efforts to boost
biodiversity.
Our Woods for Nature programme will use a mix of
methods to create varied homes for wildlife and encourage
new growth in woodlands. Well be carrying out new
planting, restructuring plantation forests and converting
non-native tree plantations into native woods.
Another key strand of our programme involves managing
particular species or habitats. Weve focused on six
woodland species that are in decline or threatened. Working
with partners, were producing programmes for capercaillie,
black grouse, red squirrel, juniper, pearl-bordered fritillary
and chequered skipper butteries.
Alongside all this well be working to reduce the impact
that deer grazing has on biodiversity in our woods, tackling
non-native species that are affecting woodlands, and
continuing to control grey squirrel numbers.
Raising awareness of Scotlands biodiversity and whats
being done to improve it is also important and well continue
to get people involved in looking after woodlands and
promoting enjoyment of our wildlife.
You can nd the booklet Woods for Nature online at
www.forestry.gov.uk/woodsfornature
1
Oak trees support a
greater variety of
wildlife than any other
species of tree in
Europe.
2
Populations of black
grouse in some areas
of Scotland have
suffered severe
declines.
3
The chequered skipper
buttery is now
restricted to about 50
sites in a small area of
western Scotland.
www.snh.org.uk
57
20/10/08 14:04:55
Kids only!
Cut it out!
To make this fun beaver mask you will

need scissors and a piece of elastic.
Crossword
Clues
Across
1 Beavers' coats are this (10)
2 Done to small trees (4)
3 These never stop growing (5)
4 They make their home here (6)
5 They close these up (4)
6 Back feet are (6)
10
Down
7 Scaly and paddle-like (4)
8 Bertie is this animal (6)
9 Made from piled up logs (6)
4 They eat this part of a tree (4)
10 Beavers fell these (4)
58
*Top tip make sure you read all the info on the opposite page to nd the answers!
17/10/08 10:35:53
Bertie the Beaver
Inside Out Answer: Lime
How to make
Ask an adult to help

you. Place an egg in
boiling water for
10 mins, hard boil
the egg. Allow to
cool completely.
Paint
with
brown
paint and
leave to dry.
What do beavers look like?

Theyre about the size of a tubby spaniel. They have
sleek waterproof coats, a scaly paddle-like tail to steer
with and webbed back feet to help them swim strongly
under water.
Where do they live?
Beavers like rivers and lakes with woodland on the
banks. In this country they prefer to make their home
in a burrow on the bank, but they also live in lodges of
piled-up logs where theyre unable to burrow.
What do they eat?
They only eat plants and the bark and leaves of trees.
They fell small trees and drag them into the water
where they can be stored. Their cutting teeth never
stop growing!
Using brown
card, draw
and cut out
paws and feet.
Did you know?
Using black card,

cut out the tail. Use
a pencil to make the scale marks.
Use a piece of plasticine to sit the egg on (this will stop
it rolling away). Glue all body parts to the egg.
For the nose and whiskers, lay the pipe cleaners
in a cross shape and then stick the pom-pom
in the middle.
They can close up their nostrils and ears to help them

stay under water, and they have a thin layer of seethrough skin to protect their eyes under water.
Inside Out
Only one of the little beavers is the
same shape as the big beaver can you spot which one?
Using a white square of card draw a black line down

the middle for those all important gnashers. Pop a drop
of glue at the top of the card and then place just under the
whiskers and nose, stick to the egg.
Finally, stick on the eyes!
To make Bertie you will need: 1 egg; 1 pan; brown

paint; white, brown and black card; black pipe cleaners;
stick-on eyes; pink pom-pom; glue; black pen;
a pencil; scissors.
What do you
say to a sad
beaver?
What did the

beaver say to
the tree?
Why the log

face?
Its been nice

gnawing you!
www.snh.org.uk
59
17/10/08 10:35:56
High land art
The hills of Dumfries and Galloway have recently

been celebrated in a urry of innovative arts projects,
underlining the areas growing reputation for
environmental art
6060
The
TheNature
NatureofofScotland
Scotland
17/10/08 10:36:03
A visit to some eye-catching new artworks in

Scotlands southwest is guaranteed to make your
heart quicken, if only because youll be faced with
a strenuous hike into the hills to nd them.
1
The Striding Arches
project aims to
celebrate and interpret
Dumfries and
Galloways unique
landscape through
world-class
environmental art.
The Striding Arches project at Cairnhead near Moniaive,

north of Dumfries is a multiple art installation by
world-renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy. It consists of three
hilltop sandstone arches, designed to encourage public
access to Cairnhead Forest and Glen.
The four-metre-high hilltop arches are all visible from
a fourth arch, which sits lower down and is linked into an
abandoned farm byre. This byre provides a viewing point
down the glen and offers a shelter, orientation point and
outdoor working space.
Cairnhead has been the scene of great change down
the years. The area was once home to farming settlements
but is now mainly given over to commercial forestry. One of
the reasons that Andy Goldsworthy chose to undertake this
project was to draw attention to the fragility of Scottish rural
life, both past and present.
Andy Goldsworthy is Britains foremost environmental
artist and has lived in Dumfries and Galloway for over 20
years. This is his rst permanent major installation within a
public landscape in Scotland.
2
One arch strides
through a renovated
byre building. This will
provide an outdoor
education space and
shelter in the heart of
the glen.
www.snh.org.uk
61
17/10/08 10:36:11
Visiting all the hilltop arches involves a demanding hike

of about 16 km/10 miles around the summit of the glen, so
most people will probably choose to tackle only one at a
time.
SNH were one of the funding partners for the project,
and the local Area Manager Chris Miles believes it will have
many public benets. Striding Arches is a community forest
project that will connect a new path network to the Southern
Upland Way, bring people into the Cairnhead Glen and to
Moniaive, and bring them into contact with nature, explained
Chris.
Landscape art is inspired by the landscape and peoples
interaction with it. Its a very powerful way of getting people
to think about how the landscape has changed with the
different ways weve used it.
Landscape today is not an end result,

but only a single frame
in a long-running, slow motion movie.
How well will we act our parts
in the next scene?
From Scene Shifters by Mary Smith
The Big Hill

Another arts project completed in the southwest this year
was at Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve,
between Creetown and Gatehouse of Fleet in Galloway.
Sculptor Matt Baker collaborated with poet Mary Smith to
3
62
17/10/08 10:36:19
3
A performance art
event was staged at
Cairnsmore NNR as
part of Dumfries &
Galloway Festival. The
Surfacemen company
created performances
inspired by the
Cairnsmore
sculptures.
4
Hush is one of the
more remote
sculptures and uses
boulders with pursed
lips carved onto them
to highlight the perfect
silence.
5
The sculptures use
stone from the reserve
and reect the idea
that this is a remote
place where the
presence of people is
the exception rather
than the rule.
create Cairnsmore: The Big Hill, a series of ve landscape

sculptures with accompanying poems.
Inspired by the scenery, geology and history of
Cairnsmore, the artists spoke to local people and sought
to involve them in the work. The sculptures are spread out
around the reserve with the aim of encouraging the public to
explore and experience the areas wild landscapes.
Most of Cairnsmore of Fleet is owned and managed
by SNH, and local Area Ofcer Andrew Bielinski says the
project is a way of engaging with local communities in a
slightly different way.
A lot of our work is to do with protecting wildlife and
the areas where animals live, he explained, but were also
about getting people out to enjoy our great landscapes.
We have the traditional guided walks and similar events
at the reserve, but art presents a different way of looking at
the environment and reaches out to a wider audience.
And SNH also supported a third project, Voices from
Glentrool and Merrick, in which artists Silvana McLean and
Mary Smith went around the area and collected memories,
stories and inspirations from local people who had lived on
the land. From this they created a striking portfolio of ve
etchings and poems to celebrate the area.
The poems appear on transparent paper so that you can
see the image through the poem, thereby elegantly tying
them together. Twenty copies of the publication have been
printed and the public can view the portfolios at various
locations around the region and farther aeld.
www.snh.org.uk
63
17/10/08 10:36:24
Autumn 2008
Testing the water

Beavers on
their way back
PlaceBook
Wheres your
special place?
High land art

Take a hike for art
We hope you enjoyed this issue of our magazine.

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Scottish Natural Heritage

The Nature of Scotland

Testing the water

The power of Scotlands places

Back to the future

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30 All in a days work

Woods for nature

60 High land art

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You can contact SNH by

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Paper: This magazine is printed on Arctic

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Only a small number of high-prole species have been the subject of

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Web tip: www.sunartoakwoods.org.uk

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someone in the huts brewing a cup of

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Were delighted to announce that EAE,

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